The Pentagon is accelerating its review of the U.S. military presence in Europe, with at least four options for future troop levels and deployments expected to reach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6, according to documents reviewed by media outlet. The broader six-month review is scheduled to be completed in December.
The review, launched in June, is being closely watched by NATO allies amid concerns that the Trump administration could significantly reduce the roughly 80,000 U.S. troops stationed across Europe. European governments are also concerned that countries Washington considers insufficiently supportive of U.S. policies could face reductions in American military resources.
Pentagon Examining Military Presence
The Pentagon’s newly detailed “Terms of Reference” outline how U.S. forces and military infrastructure across Europe will be assessed. The review will examine not only troop numbers and bases, but also American access, basing and overflight rights, as well as space, cyber and intelligence infrastructure supporting U.S. military operations.
The Pentagon is also evaluating whether NATO allies are meeting their defense-spending commitments and whether they can fill potential gaps in NATO’s crisis-response forces if the United States reduces its military presence.
A senior Pentagon official said the objective is to develop a broad range of options and assess the advantages and disadvantages of different force levels and deployments rather than predetermine a single outcome.
NATO Allies Remain Concerned
The review has generated uncertainty among European governments, some of which privately fear that Washington may already be leaning toward troop reductions.
Trump has repeatedly criticized European NATO members for relying heavily on U.S. security guarantees while failing, in his view, to contribute sufficiently to collective defense. The administration has also expressed frustration with some allies over their handling of U.S. military access and support during the conflict involving the United States and Israel and Iran.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has acknowledged some of Trump’s concerns while arguing that most European allies have provided significant support.
Key Decisions Ahead
A senior U.S. general responsible for American forces in Europe is expected to participate in a decision briefing with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby by September 18. The meeting is expected to help shape the options ultimately presented to Hegseth. Colby is also due to brief NATO ambassadors in Brussels on the review.
The Pentagon has sent NATO allies a questionnaire seeking information on defense spending, military strategy, procurement, support for U.S. foreign-policy priorities and restrictions affecting American access to bases and airspace. Responses are due shortly.
The outcome of the review could have major implications for the future of the transatlantic security relationship. Any substantial reduction in U.S. forces could place greater responsibility on European NATO members to strengthen their own military capabilities while potentially reshaping America’s long-standing defense posture in Europe.
For now, Pentagon officials stress that no final troop-reduction decision has been made. The immediate objective is to provide Hegseth with several possible force configurations before the November 6 deadline.
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